Intrinsic quantum thermodynamics (Application to reactive and non-reactive systems)

Although referred to as a sea serpent, research into the origin and profound nature of the second principle of thermodynamics has gained new momentum over the last three or four decades. What emerges is the field of quantum thermodynamics, which includes the theories of open quantum systems and "typicality", and, from these approaches, the second principle of thermodynamics emerging from the quantum approach (quantum mechanics). An alternative theory is that of intrinsic quantum thermodynamics (IQT), which regards the second principle as fundamental. The mathematical support for IQT, together with the quantum thermodynamics of the highest entropy rise (SEAQT), forms the core of this article, with application to reactive and non-reactive systems from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale.